William Hill Scottish Cup Quarter Final - Round Up

               

photo; William Hill Scottish Cup

The Quarter Final Round of William Hill Scottish Cup kicked off at Starks Park, on Saturday 8th March 2014. This was one of two games that would be played on Saturday and two that would be played on Sunday, March 9th.

In the previous round of the cup St Johnstone defeated Forfar 4-0, Raith Rovers had one of the shocks putting Hibernian out 3-2. Aberdeen had another shock defeating Celtic 2-1 along with Dumbarton beating Alloa 1-0. Dundee United won 2-1 against St Mirren. Inverness CT drew 2-2 in the first leg but eventually won 2-0 against Stranraer. Finally Rangers defeated Dunfermline 4-0 and Ablion Rovers had a 2 goal cup shock against Stenhousemuir.

Before the Quarter Final draws were finalised, Stranraer and Inverness CT had to replay. This was where Stranraer made the journey to the top of the country to face Inverness CT. Nick Ross gave Inverness CT the lead at the 3 minute mark. This was the only scoring until the very last kick of the ball when Aaron Dorran gave Inverness CT the second goal of the evening, which secured them a place in the Quarter Finals to face Dundee United with home advantage.

photo; Ross celebrating with team mate, from Inverness CT and Stranraer replay


St Johnstone made the short journey down to Kirkcadly and to Starks Park to face Raith Rovers. Raith Rovers knew that they had to do the best they could due to them being a League below St Johnstone.At 12:15, the first game of the Quarter Final kicked off. Quickly, St Johnstone opened the scoring within the first five minutes through Steven Anderson. Raith Rovers managed to get back on level terms in the 20th minute through Douglas Hill. After the second half began with Brian Easton gave St Johnstone the lead again. With 20 minutes to go Steven Anderson, got his second goal of the afternoon. This would see St Johnstone win 3-1 and book their place in the Semi Final draw.

photo; St Johnstone celebrations


The 3 o'clock kick off was between Aberdeen and Dumbarton, this is where Dumbarton would travel north to Pittodrie to face high flyers Aberdeen, who put Celtic out in the last round. The first kind of shock of the Quarters game at Pittodrie when Aberdeen only managed to get one goal past Dumbarton, in the 53rd minute through Adam Rooney. However, this one goal managed to see them through to the Semi Final draw. They will join St Johnstone and await to see who goes through on Sunday.

photo;Aberdeen celebrations


Sunday kick off began, with Dundee United making the long trip up the A9 to try and get revenge on Inverness CT, as they had a very hard game during the League Cup in October 2013. The first major shock of the round came in the lunchtime kick off between these two sides. Nadir Ciftci giving Dundee United the early lead in the 15th minute, then extended it in the 27th minute. A penalty taken by Gavin Gunning saw Dundee United go three goals up after 35 minutes. The second half saw Gary Mackay-Steven get Dundee United's fourth goal of the afternoon in the 49th minute. Stuart Armstrong wrapped up things in the 57th minute when his bullet header saw Dundee United get the fifth goal of the afternoon and secure their place in the draw for the Semi Final. My match report can be found here: http://scotlandsgame.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/united-hit-thistle-for-five-as-they.html

photo; post match applauding 


The Quarter Finals ended with Albion Rovers making a short journey over to Ibrox, to face League One table toppers Rangers. Albion Rovers knew this was going to be a tough fixture due to the Wee Rovers being the lowest League club to still be in the Scottish Cup. This saw the first shock of the round, with Ciaran Donnelly giving Albion Rovers the lead within the first 15 minutes. Rangers didn't manage to equalised till the 78th minute through Mohsni. It ended 1-1, which means a replay will take place between the two sides.

photo;the moment that Albion Rovers take the lead


Semi Final draw is: St Johnstone vs. Aberdeen and Rangers/Albion Rovers vs. Dundee United, these draws will be played 12th/13th April at Ibrox Stadium.

Albion Rovers and Rangers will take place March 17th at New Douglas Park.

Good luck to everyone, in the Semi Final draw.